Jamie Trick from Charles Hunter Associates provides a few facts both recruitment related and a little on the Rat Pack too!…

Name –  Jamie Trick

Job Title – Recruitment Specialist – Social Work

How long have you worked at Charles Hunter Associates? Just over 2 years

What is your job exactly? I provide locum Qualified Social Work staff for both Local Authorities and Private and Voluntary companies in London and surrounding counties.  This ranges from main grade social workers through to senior managers.

What’s the market like at present? We are all experiencing challenging conditions due to the economic climate and many people will paint quite a gloomy picture.  However, we work in a sector which still has skill shortages and which needs experienced, qualified professionals.  There are still plenty of opportunities out there for those who are skilled in their relevant client groups.

Why should someone come to you to find work? I work on a very personal basis with my candidates, getting to know them and what their ideal working situation is.  I work proactively to make sure that I am sourcing the right positions for them, ensuring that all key factors are taken into account such as the working environment, management styles and not just the job itself.  When a candidate is assigned to me I become their dedicated career advisor and make it my duty to ensure their next move is the right one.

What’s your advice to someone who wants to get into locum work? Locum work can give you the flexibility to work in teams and locations that you may not otherwise have had the opportunity to do so.  Although some locum contracts can be very lucrative, the main aim in the current climate is to ensure that as a professional you get the opportunity to further enhance your skills and experience.

What do you do when you’re not busy finding Social Workers their ideal jobs? I have a newly born daughter named Eva which usually keeps me rather busy!  However in my spare time I travel around Berkshire performing as a Frank Sinatra / Michael Bublé tribute artist.

Jamie can be contacted on 01189 255 633 to assist with Social Work jobs in London and the South East.

The BBC are to air a three-part documentary based on Bristol City Council’s social work department.  This is set to be a very interesting programme based in real life events within our sector.  More information can be found on the Community Care Website

For the latest information please follow this link – http://bit.ly/w2fug6

We are pleased to announce that as of 1st December 2011, Charles Hunter Associates has relocated its offices into Central Reading.  Our telephone number and address have changed so please take down our new details -

Telephone – 01189 255 633

Address – Soane Point, 6-8 Market Place, Reading, RG1 2EG

We look forward to hearing from you!

It has been an exciting and busy 2.5 years for Charles Hunter Associates and due to growth and to accommodate future expansion we are moving from our offices in Theale into Central Reading. Our move takes place on the 1st December and more details will be provided next month to ensure all our candidates, clients and suppliers are provided with our new address and contact telephone number. Watch this space!

Plans for a merger between the newly formed College of Social Work and BASW have collapsed.  Please follow this link for more information.

Just over 2 weeks to go!  Are you prepared?  Over the last few weeks we have been meeting our clients and speaking with our contractors about the impact of the AWR.  We now have everything in place from new contracts to new systems and are 100% committed to ensuring the transition to working with this new legislation is as smooth as possible.

If you have any questions about the AWR then please just pick up the phone and speak to us – 0118 965 7990.

Community Care reported today that a quater of care users have been hit by cuts with the worse to come following information from leading charities – http://bit.ly/ifYrzl

A warm welcome to the new Charles Hunter Associates website.  We have redeveloped the site to further enhance your job searching experience ensuring you are able to find the right role for you! 

Features available include searching by sector, client group and location.  You can also sign up for job alerts as well as registering your details so you can be contacted by one of our dedicated consultants.  We also have our new blog section which will feature up to date industry information, changes and views. 

Do please link up with us on our social networking pages – Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook so you have access to all the latest jobs and sector news. 

If you would like further information on the new site or to speak with us regarding a new career or a post you need to fill then call us on 0118 965 7990.  We look forward to hearing from you!